Beryl Littleton
(1913-2001)
Beryl Goodrick Chapman was born on 13 November 1913, the fifth of seven children. Her parents, Thomas and Emily, owned and ran the newly built Hampton store, in which every daughter in the family worked following school in Geham. In 1934 Beryl took a cruise with two of her girlfriends to Lindeman Island, an adventure rarely undertaken by young women in that era. Ballroom dancing was a passion of Beryl's, and it was at a local ball that she met her future husband, Colin Littleton. The pair married in 1938 and settled at Balcarres Farm, where Beryl was kept busy looking after 10 men during the harvest and hay-making seasons. Two children were born to the Littletons -- Graham in 1940, and Jacklyn in 1943. In 1950 the family moved to Abrahams farm, which was to remain their home until this year. Colin Littleton, businessman and local politician, died earlier this year. Beryl was talented in the arts of home-making, and specialised in needlework, tatting, crocheting and knitting. She was also acknowledged locally for her superb cooking, the Crows Nest Show Society valuing her culinary skills so much it retained her as a steward for more than 20 years. Beryl also frequently helped to cater for functions and fetes for the Hospital Aid Group, an organisation responsible for raising funds to keep the small Crows Nest Hospital viable. Community service was important to Beryl. In 1977 she received a medal for 25 years service to the Red Cross, followed by another long-service gold medal in 1983. She was a member of the Red Cross organisation for 50 years. Beryl also held executive positions over the years in the CWA, the Blue Nursing Auxiliary, the St George's Anglican Church Guild, and the Mothers' Union. Life as the wife of a high-profile businessman and politician also made huge demands on Beryl's time. She maintained his records and files, and accompanied him on his many trips and official functions during his time as chairman of Crows Nest Council. While parts of this kind of life were exciting, such as meeting the Queen when Colin received his MBE in 1982, Beryl also experienced the downside -- the frequent absences of her husband and subsequent loneliness. Sport was a common love, however, and whenever possible, the pair would find time for a game of tennis, golf, or, in later years, bowls. Beryl was a woman of contradictions. She was shy and timid yet able to maintain a high public profile; competent, yet hopeless in the face of a cut finger; driven by a strong sense of helping others, yet rarely known to cry or laugh out loud. Beryl meticulously kept records of her husband's achievements, but made no note of any of her own endeavours. Colin and Beryl shared a remarkable life, and enjoyed a long, happy and mutually fulfilling relationship. Beryl is survived by her two children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Published in "The Chronicle," Toowoomba 26th September 2001.
Ted LIGHTBODY
Ted Lightbody is gratefully remembered by the many people of Toowoomba and surrounding districts whose lives were enhanced by the skills, knowledge and example he gave them. Born in Toowoomba in 1925, he went to the Toowoomba Prep School, then Toowoomba Grammar and began work here. He moved away in 1948, later marrying and raising a family. Returning to Toowoomba in 1978 he immediately became active in the community, most notably through his substantial involvement with Toastmasters, the Endeavour Foundation, the Society for Growing Australian Plants, and the Toowoomba Community Training Centre. He was actively involved in Toowoomba Toastmasters, Garden City Toastmasters, Southern Cross Toastmasters, Darling Downs Toastmasters, and was instrumental in setting up the Warwick Toastmasters Club. Toastmaster Jean Harden recalls how he "used to go out there every week for nearly a year, to get them started. He was a very giving person, never looking for anything for himself'. He figured largely in the careers of many toastmasters, such as June Adderson, to whom "he was so encouraging -- quietly, not in a pushy way, and always a gentleman. He'd willingly take on anything, like the night our speakers let us down and we asked Ted if he could step into the breach. He gave the most encouraging off-the-cuff speech, with the theme 'Each one of us has a story and shouldn't be afraid to tell it". He enjoyed his work in Toast-masters, becoming Divisional Governor in 1985, which meant regularly travelling to clubs in an area stretching from the western suburbs of Brisbane, out to Dalby and as far south as Tenterfield. In later years he concentrated on Youth Leadership courses for rural youth and high school students and Speechcraft courses for adults in the community. Ted was in great demand to deliver speeches, adjudicate debates and speech contests, and to give instruction in the art of public speaking for schools, clubs and community groups in Toowoomba and surrounding districts. His work for the Endeavour Foundation 1979-1990 at Hamewith and Clifford Park school was equally appreciated, the staff recalling how "the children thought the world of 'Mr Ted' ". His friendliness drew them to him. He had a rapport with all ages and would engage the co-operation of even the most difficult children. He always had time for them and let them become involved in his activities." Ted and his wife Norma were, for many years, actively involved in the Society for Growing Australian Plants, which was then at the cutting edge of the growing appreciation for Australian native species. He was Secretary of the Society 1985-87 then President for a further three years to 1991. He led the Society as they promoted the growing of Australian plants through numerous displays, seed distributions, tree plantings and community workshops on seed propagation and nurturing of young plants. Ted started tutoring for Skillshare in 1990 and quickly became more heavily involved. Skillshare developed into the Toowoomba Community Training Centre (TCTC). Chairman Kevin McGrath speaks for the TCTC Committee in saying: "We remember with affection and respect Ted's long involvement with TCTC Inc -- as a tutor, as a committee member and as the association secretary. I'm sure there are many people whose life is so much better for receiving Ted's concern and support." He touched the lives of many people who remember how he encouraged them to gain confidence in themselves their abilities. He was valuable to every association to which he belonged and the usefulness of his life in Toowoomba is acknowledged by all who knew him.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 15th December 1998
Nancy Lawrie
Nancy Price was born at Herries Street, Toowoomba, in 1907 and with her brother Maugham attended Miss Sutton's Kindergarten and Preparatory School. She later went to Fairholme College before boarding at Ascham College in Sydney. Nancy was one of five children, the others being Maugham, Harvey, Owen and Rosamond (Lavers). In her early school years Nancy persuaded her mother to start a Girl Guide troupe and she was the first to become a first-class Guide. On her return to Toowoomba she gained her matriculation through private tuition before enrolling at Sydney University, from where she graduated as an architect. She married her longtime university friend Alex Lawrie and settled in Sydney, where she designed the house they built at Gordon. While living there they had three sons, Rob, Jon and Malcolm. Two are established in the Northern Territory -- Rob has a large fruit and vegetable farm outside Katherine and Jon works in Darwin for the Federal Government. Malcolm works in Canberra for the Commonwealth Statistician. Nancy had a wide range of interests including music, sewing, gardening, reading and camping, During World War II the Federal Government moved to Melbourne, and as assistant to the Federal Treasurer Alex had to move too. After the war they returned to Sydney and Alex was appointed Deputy Administrator of the Northern Territory. After almost two years there they moved to Canberra, where Nancy taught basket making to handicapped children. She enjoyed herself and became very involved instilling in the children pride in doing things properly. When Alex retired, Nancy equipped their car for camping and sleeping with special mosquito nets and they set off on a trip around Australia. During the jourhey they fell in love with Cairns and later returned there to live. Alex died in 1971 but Nancy stayed on at Cairns until 1986, when she came to live with her sister, Mrs Rosamond Lavers, in Toowoomba. Her last five months showed the devotion of her sons: all three attended to her every need, enabling her to be nursed in the familiar world of her own flat.
Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 6th August 1992
Crows Nest farewells, ......'a true statesman'
Colin Littleton (1915-2001) by Merryl Miller
For a man who spent much of his 85 years in the public eye, Colin Littleton was a surprisingly private man, revealing little but giving generously of himself to the community. Colin was born in Crows Nest in 1915, and to this town and its environs he devoted his energies until his death in May this year. Educated at Pinelands State School and later on at Toowoomba Grammar School, he proved himself to be somewhat of a force on the football field, playing as a member of the 1932 First XV Premiership team. He remained a passionate supporter of football throughout his life, and was always involved in both playing and watching both this sport and tennis. Following graduation it was back to the family dairy farm, which he ran with his brothers and sister, with time-out spent serving in the Volunteer Defence Corps during World War II. In 1938 Colin married Beryl Chapman, of Hampton, and they had two children, Graham and Jacklyn. Following the war Colin became increasingly active in public and business life. He was elected as director of the Downs Co-operative Dairy Association in 1945, a position he held for 43 years. In addition to this role he served as a representative on the Australian Dairy Produce Board, the Commonwealth Dairy Produce Equalisation Committee, and was chairman of the Queensland Butter Marketing Board. In 1970 Colin became chairman of Crows Nest Shire Council, after serving as a councillor for six of the preceding nine years -- a position he held until he retired from politics in 1988. Recognition of Colin's services to the dairy industry and local government came when he was named as a Member of the British Empire in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 1982. Colin was regarded throughout Queensland as a true statesman in the field of local government; He devoted his time not just to council business, but also to Toowoomba Hospital Board, Crows Nest and District Hospital Society, and Crows Nest Show Society. Add to this timetable his involvement with the golf club, the bowls club, the Masonic Lodge and Crows Nest Rifle Club, and you begin to appreciate just how full his life was. When the committees and meetings were over, however, there was nothing more that Colin treasured than time to unwind with his mates, at the local watering hole. Colin was many things to many people, but Crows Nest folklore firmly decrees that he was no mechanic. New cars often ended up bogged or stuck on a stump as Colin attempted to round up the cattle and he was often forgetful of the oil and water requirements of vehicles. It was lucky that Colin's wife Beryl displayed more loyalty and care to him than he showed his cars -- without the unwavering support of his family, Colin may never have achieved what he did in his public life.
Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 13 June 2001
Florence Joyce LACK
Florence Joyce Lack was born on November 6,1920, the second child of John Herbert and Amelia Jane (Minnie) White (nee Campbell) at "Hayfield", Klein Street, Toowoomba. When Joyce was three years old, her parents bought the family home at 18 Edward Street, Toowoomba, for £550 and the name "Hayfield" was placed on the veranda where it remains today. Hayfeld Station, Cunnamulla, was the original home of Joyce's grandparents. Joyce's childhood, growing up at Hayfield, was a happy one. There were always uncles, aunts and cousins close by. Although times were hard, her father made a living as a letter carrier while her mother, like so many other women of the day, tended the house. Joyce attended East State School and later did a course at the Technical College where she learnt sewing. She attended Sunday School at St Luke's and eventually became a Sunday School teacher. This was to become a long association with St Luke's Church. In 1941 while Joyce was visiting her much-loved Aunt Flo in Brisbane, she met a young soldier by the name of George Lack. The couple chatted for some time and found common points and a special relationship developed. The couple went out from time to time and, with the threat of George being sent to War, they decided to marry, which they did on December 5, 1942, at St Luke's Church, as Joyce's parents had done before them. As George was based in Brisbane, Joyce decided to move to Brisbane to be close, but once George was sent away a year or so later, she moved back to Hayfield in Toowoomba to help nurse her parents. On George's return from the war, they remained at Hayfield and on August 16, 1947, their first child, Susan, was born. However, she only lived a couple of hours. A second child, Marilyn Fay, was born on August 8, 1949. By this time Joyce's father had failing health and since her mother's eyesight was very poor, Joyce had the responsibility of nursing him until his death in 1954. On January 4, 1956, another daughter, Merrill Kay, was born and within six months, Joyce's much loved mother, Minnie, died. Joyce obtained work as a cleaner at Myers to help make ends meet while George did concreting and cement driveways on weekends to provide a living for the growing family. On July 14, 1963, the couple were blessed with a son, Darryl George. The 1960s saw George employed in various positions until he was diagnosed with melanoma cancer and eventually passed away in 1970. Joyce was left to raise her family alone which she did in Christian faith, attending St Luke's every Sunday for strength and guidance. She was a loyal member of the War Widows' Guild and was a member of Mothers' Union for more than 25 years. She died at St Andrew's Hospital on Saturday, December 13. She is survived by her children, Merrill and Darryl, son-in-law, Bill, grandchildren, David, Robyn and Annette, and great-grandson, Zennon. Her daughter, Marilyn predeceased her.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba on 18 February, 1998
Darryl George LACK
Darryl George Lack was born in Toowoomba on July 14, 1963, the first son and third child of George and Florence Lack. At the age of seven, Darryl lost his father, forcing him to assume the role of man of the house. Darryl began his education at East State School, moving on to Mt Lofty High School to complete his education. He worked in various jobs, including positions at Myers, Piggott's, Brady's Menswear, Fletcher Jones and CJR Plumbing. Darryl, who had inherited a love of music from his father, took up drumming lessons at the Toowoomba School of Drumming. He then began teaching others, and eventually bought the business and moved it into the family home. He played in various bands at country dances around the Toowoomba area, as well as teaching the drums on weekends, and continuing to work at CJR Plumbing. Darryl then began to experience health problems, suffering from large ulcers. He was later diagnosed with leukaemia, and was forced to give up work because of his illness. By this stage, Darryl's mother, Florence, was also suffering health problems, culminating in a stroke which left her paralysed. Darryl then became her fulltime carer, a feature which led to a further deterioration in his own health. Florence was eventually placed in a nursing centre, and Darryl's sister, Merrill, and brother-in-law, moved back to the family home to care for him while he underwent chemotherapy. Darryl was devastated to hear of the death of his mother in December last year, and the further loss of the mother of his brother-in-law in January this year. Darryl's greatest loves were his car, drums and music, as well as cricket, motor racing, and his church. He became a church sideman, and sat on the church council at St Luke's. Early this year Darryl contracted "golden staph", and was admitted to St Andrew's Hospital, where he passed away on March 14. Darryl is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, nephew David, nieces Robyn and Annette, and great nephew Zennon.
Published in "the Chronicle", Toowoomba, on 9th June 1998
IVY VERA MARIE LEE
Vera remembered for retail, church roles
Well known local personality, retailer, active in Catholic Church
Born: May 31, 1916
Died: January 9, 2002
By MERRYL MILLER
Vera Lee was something of a local identity in Toowoomba circles. Sassy, independent, and active, she is remembered both for her many years of work in the retail industry and as a committed and busy member of the Catholic Church. Born in Toowoomba, Ivy Vera Marie Holcroft was the second child of John Holcroft and Ivy Wiedermann, one-time proprietors of the Bull's Head Inn at Drayton. Vera attended school at Harristown, where she enjoyed playing with the netball team and pursuing her love of music. After completing her education, Vera worked for Cramond and Stark (which became Baileys), and later at Rockmans.
In 1937, Vera married John Patrick Lee (Jack) at St Patrick's Cathedral in Toowoomba. Jack worked in the Toowoomba Post Office for over 50 years, and had served in the RAAF during World War II, being awarded the Imperial Service Medal after retirement. The pair had one child, Michael, who has achieved success in the United States as both an author and a founder of leading edge body-mind therapy.
Vera enjoyed travel and crossed the Atlantic four times to visit family members in the United States. She became well known to hotel staff from Los Angeles, Florida and the Caribbean for her sense of fun and adventure. Although Vera was always stylish, fashionable and immaculately dressed, she did manage to raise eyebrows on one stateside visit when she took a dip in the hot tub in the Holiday Inn -- without a swimsuit. Nevertheless, she was always a good source of practical advice and her family valued her as their sounding board.
Her trusty 1972 brown and white Torana S, which she used to assist her in her shopping ventures, often identified Vera in the streets of Toowoomba. While being a keen and resourceful shopper, Vera's enthusiasm for the stores did, on occasion, get her into trouble with the local constabulary. Once, upon finding a policeman at her illegally parked car, she requested permission to retrieve her licence from the glovebox. Once safely inside, Vera locked the doors and made good her escape - a technique of ticket evasion recommended only for seasoned offenders and guileless-looking octogenarians.
Vera and Jack were both devout Catholics and a stained-glass window in St Patrick's Cathedral commemorates their activities within the church community. Vera spent her last years at the Toowoomba Garden Settlement, and following her death, was interred alongside her husband.
She is survived by her son, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, all of whom reside in the United States.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, February 2nd, 2002.
John's families the light of his life
Born: November 11,1938
Died: May 12, 2002
John Loftdahl always maintained he had two families. First and foremost to him was his wife and four children, but not far behind that was his Army family, with whom he shared 24 fulfilling years. Born in Surrey Hills, Sydney, John William was one of two sons born to Eric and Margaret (nee McAuliffe) Loftdahl. He enjoyed a happy childhood despite the hardships and rationing imposed by the Second World War, and attended school at St Peter's De La Salle Christian Brothers College. John showed particular talent in the academic areas of mathematics, English and Latin. In January 1956, John followed in the family tradition established by his great-grandfather (who had fought in the Boer War after migrating from Sweden), and joined the Australian Army. The Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery attracted John's interest, because he was able to put his talent for mathematics to good use. John's brother Peter also joined the Army, but chose the Signals Corp, setting the groundwork for some friendly family banter and rivalry. As well as John's lengthy service in various field batteries and regiments, he spent some years in Operational Service in Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he was part of the artillery support for the men of D-Company 6RAR during the infamous Baffle of Long Tan in August 1966.
Upon his return to Australia, John applied to undertake another tour of duty in Vietnam, as part of the Australian Army Training Team. However the Australian Government withdrew its troops from Vietnam before John had a chance to return. John went back to the artillery unit in the 1st Field Regiment, continuing his career as a Gun Sergeant and Battery Surveyor until 1970. He was then promoted to Battery Sergeant Major, and posted to Broadmeadows in Victoria where he joined the Army Recruiting Team. It was in Broadmeadows that he met and married Shirley Lovett, a captain in the Army, and the pair had four children, Kathleen, Kerry, John, and Victor. Their early years of their marriage were spent apart, with John being sent to postings in Hobart, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Geelong. Three years later, John accepted a posting to Oakey as Area Quarter Master based at 161 Recce Flight. While working at Oakey, John and Shirley discovered the township of Helidon, and decided that it would be their retirement spot. John received his final posting to Toowoomba, working in the numerous cadet units, before taking his discharge from the Army in March 1978. His pride in the men and women of the army never diminished however, and he maintained a particularly soft spot for the professionalism of those drafted into national service. John took early retirement from the army due to a back injury sustained during the Battle of Long Tan, but he continued to work at Target in Toowoomba in the following years. It was only when his disability began to deteriorate that he and his family moved to Toowoomba, and John retired from work permanently. Towards the end of his life, John took great pleasure from following his favourite football team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, visiting the Sports Club and the City Golf Club, and catching up with friends at the Bellevue Hotel. John Loftdahl died in Toowoomba last month aged 63, and is survived by his brother Peter, wife Shirley, four children, and one grandchild.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 4th June 2002.
Fred a true gentleman despite life's hardships
Born: May 31,1918
Died: May 10, 2002
Fred Lockwood's favourite saying was "I've seen many a frosty morning".
He faced many hardships in his life, but through it all remained a true gentleman, devoted family man, and proud war veteran. Born in Prospect, Tasmania, Frederick Charles was the second eldest of eight children to George and Ada (nee Jones) Lockwood. He grew up in Summerhill, near Launceston, and attended the Summerdale State School until the age of 13. Fred's first job was driving a horse and cart loaded with pig food, for which he received the princely sum of one shilling a day. His wages went towards helping his family, and Fred learned very early on the value of hard work. Fred worked as a farm labouter before answering his country's call to war at the age of 22. Joining the army, Fred served in the 22nd Lighthorse Regiment at Mona-Vale in Tasmania from 1940. In 1943, he was sent to Queensland with the AIF, and at the end of the war, was slated for New Guinea, but ended up in Darwin instead. During his war service, Fred was offered the opportunity for promotion, but elected to remain a private in order to remain with his mates. While on leave towards the end of the war, Fred met Wyn Young at a dance in Brisbane, and the pair married in Toowoomba in November 1945. Fred and Wyn had seven children together, and while they never had a lot of money, the family always remained particularly close. Following their marriage, they elected to settle back in Tasmania, where Fred found work as a farm labourer. In 1966, Fred's eider son David was killed in a sawmilling accident, and the family decided to move back to Toowoomba to be closer to Wyn's relatives. Fred worked on a spraying gang with the Toowoomba City Council, before seeing out his working days with Gateway Stockfeeds. Fred remained involved with fellow war veterans during his life, and participated whenever possible in Anzac Day commemorative events. Anzac Day was always special because it was also his wife Wyn's birthday, but sadly she also died on another significant date. After 54 years of marriage, Wyn died on Remembrance Day 1999, and Fred's loss was further compounded by the death of his daughter Rita seven months later. Karinya Aged Home in Laidley was Fred's home for the last 20 months of his life. He is remembered for his courtesy, patience, humility and friendliness, and his frequent greeting "You're a good 'un'. Fred enjoyed nothing more than the occasional beer, and listening to Slim Dusty singing Leave Him in the Long Yard. Fred Lockwood died last month aged 83, and is survived by siblings in Tasmania, Nellie, Sylvia, Len, Lionel, and Ernie, children Betty, Elaine, Alice, Vicki, and Norm, 12 grandchildren, and nine greatgrandchildren.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 31st May 2002.
Laidley says farewell to a favourite son
Born: November 11,1914;
Died: February 27, 2002
Reginald Lee was a true local in the township of Laidley, known as much for his involvement in community activities as for his exploits on the golf course. He was also a war veteran. Active duty included stints on the front line in New Guinea during World War II. Born in Laidley, Reginald Arnold was one of 12 children to Arthur and Florence Lee. He attended school at the Laidley North State School, and later the Lockyer High State School, but sport was his passion during these early years. Reg was a talented sportsman, and he particularly enjoyed playing tennis and cricket. He would often ride his pushbike from Laidley to Ipswich to play cricket, not even being deterred by his batting record of 12 ducks in a row. His bowling, however, was superb. In 1934, Reg married Audrey Fielding, a union which was to last 50 years until her death, and produce four children, Arnold, Reginald, Colin, and Lilian. Reg worked at a variety of jobs during the early years of his marriage, including banana picking, learning the rpinting trade at the Laidley herald, and farm work.
With World War II staring to threaten Australia's shores, Reg, a few of his mates, and all seven of his brothers, decided to join the armed forces in 1942. They served as drivers in Lae, Madang and Port Moresby, acting as the main supply line from the wharves to the front lines. This position frequently brought them under enemy fire, but remarkably all eight of the Lee boys made it safely home. Discharged at the end of 1945, Reg returned to Laidley, and took work as a linesman for the Post Master General, a position he held until his retirement in 1975. Reg took up golf fairly late in life, introduced to it by his sons but quickly became proficient in the sport. For three years, running in the early 1970s, he won the B-Grade Championship, in 1976, he won the Medal of Medals, and in 1987, he was C-Grade Champion. For many years Reg was an active committee member in the Laidley Golf Club, and was granted life membership in 1979. Later he became a club patron, a position he held until the time of his death. Although a talented golfer, Reg and his mate Paul had a reputation as terrorists on the golf course. Once a week, these "Bikies from Hell" would burn up the fairways in pursuit of the little white ball, even engaging in the occasional wheel-stand along the way. Reg also found time for other community endeavours, serving as a life member of the Laidley Senior Citizens Club, and enjoying indoor bowls and travelling. He shared these activities with close companion Joyce Denton. Reg Lee died in February aged 87. He is survived by his four children, 22 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 10th April, 2002.
Dr Nina Lindsay
1940 – 2001
Dr Nina Lindsay will be best remembered locally for her role as the first Medical Director of the Toowoomba BreastScreen Queensland service, and for the many lives she touched during her 20 years with the Community Health Service. She was a person whose many life experiences and interests made her a compassionate and innovative doctor, and she was held in high regard, not just by her patients, but by her many beloved four-legged friends. Nina Emily Ann was born in Brisbane to Jack and Janet Lindsay on August 23, 1940, and grew up with her brother Brian, with whom she maintained a close friendship throughout her life. She attended St Finbarrs school and All Hallows Convent, before winning a Commonwealth scholarship to study medicine at the University of Queensland.
Graduating with second-class honours in medicine in 1964, Nina also took out the prize as the University's top female graduate. She always gave 100% to any pursuit she undertook, be it study, music, art or craft, and was an avid reader, particularly of history. It was possibly this curiosity about the rest of the world that drew her to South Africa following the completion of her residency at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. In Durban, Nina worked as a medical officer in the Government Pathology Laboratory, and was involved in the establishment of a gynaecological cytology service. In 1968, she returned back to Australia as the Registrar in Radiotherapy at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, while also lecturing in anatomy at Sydney Technical College. Nina’s expertise in the field of radiotherapy soon won her the position of Registrar at the Queensland Radium Institute, and in 1970, she was awarded a Diploma in Radiotherapy from the College of Radiologists of Australasia. Nina spent the following seven years honing her talents internationally, working firstly as a post-doctoral fellow in radiotherapy at Baylor Medical College in Houston Texas. She then spent time as a staff radiotherapist at George Washington University Hospital in Washington DC, before moving to the Calgary cancer clinic in Alberta, Canada. Nina's final stint before returning home to Australia in the late 1970s was at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, British Columbia.
It was back to the place of her residency when Nina took up the position as Registrar in Diagnostic Radiology at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. She continued her studies, but became increasingly interested in the issue of preventive health in women – a passion which led her to accept the role as medical officer at the Inala community health clinic. Nina worked with the clinic for 10 years, eventually being accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners as a supervisor of trainees in the family medicine program. It was then that Nina moved to Toowoomba, becoming the Director of Breastscreen Queensland (Toowoomba Service), leading the service from the early days of 300 clients in 1992, to a recent record of 15,229 screens in 2001.
Nina settled at “Lindorah Stud” Clifton, a move which allowed her to indulge her other great love – animals.
Nina died on November 25 after losing a battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
Published in “The Chronicle”, Toowoomba 20th December 2001.
Molly a cornerstone of Dalby community
Born: September 21,1905
Died: July 29, 2002
Molly Low was the matriarch of one of Dalby's best-known families, a community icon for her involvement in St Joseph's Catholic Church, her love of tennis, and her talent as an award-winning gardener. Mary Elizabeth Porter (Molly) was born at Red Range, New South Wales, and her childhood was spent at Torrington. As a young single girl, Molly worked in Glen Innes and Toowoomba before marrying Victor William Low in Roma in 1929. Following their marriage, the pair moved to Dalby to raise their 12 children, and Vic became a respected builder in the town. In 1936, Vic built a family home in Cunningham Street, diagonally across from St Joseph's Church. Molly lived in this house until eight-and-a-half years ago when she moved to Toowoomba to live with her daughter. Molly was a dedicated tennis player in the 1940s and 50s, playing mostly at the courts at St Columba's Convent School in Bunya Street, only a few doors away from her home. All her children attended St Columba's School, and many of her grandchildren were also educated there. Molly was famous for her beautiful garden which, being on a corner allotment, always gave a resplendent display on both fronts. She won the Dalby garden competition so many times it was almost a foregone conclusion she would figure in the winner's circle in one section or another. Many of the priests at St Joseph's regarded Molly's home as their own second home, and she retained close friendships with several of them over the years. She had a ready disposition and quick wit, which endeared her to many, and she was always reluctant to burden others during her own dark times. Molly Low was aged 96 when she died in Toowoomba. She is survived by six sons, three daughters, 41 grandchildren, 64 greatgrandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 5th September, 2002.
Family and timber focus of Fred's life
Born: March 30, 1923
Died: February 7, 2003
Fred Lubomirski had a long career in the timber industry, and having spent his early childhood in the Darling Downs region, was known to many people in the area.
Born in Oakey, Frederick Christie was the youngest child of Frederick and Pauline Lubomirski. He attended school in Oakey until the age of 12 when his family moved to New Beith near Greenbank, where his father was an engine driver at the local sawmill. Fred took up work himself in a sawmill after finishing school, moving to Jimna in 1946. It was here he met Shirley Ihle, and the pair married in Kilcoy in May 1956, settling in Jimna. They had three children together, Chris, Terry and Lyndie (Lou). In 1968, Fred moved his family to Woodford to work for Grant Timbers, in his spare time maintaining an active involvement in the lives of his children. He also loved fishing, and following his retirement from the position of logging manager with Grant Timbers (where he worked for 22 years), took up travelling. Fred and Shirley clocked up thousands of kilometres with their caravan, Fred's self-taught mechanical skills coming in handy on a number of occasions.
In 1994, Fred and Shirley sold their home in Woodford and moved to Caloundra, which was where Fred died aged 79. He is survived by his wife Shirley, three children and seven of his eight grandchildren.
Published in “The Chronicle”, Toowoomba, March 15th, 2003.
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